Monthly Archives: January 2013

I confess that only in the last few days have I appreciated the fascinating texture of icicles. They have previously been cumulative fingers of frozen drips of water. Glassy and attractive – end of story. But not any more. My discovery encouraged me to assemble a collection of icicle ‘sketches’ – photos chosen to reveal the texture. Look closely at some of the ‘totem pole’ images.

I mentioned two days ago that I get considerable pleasure from exploring the patterns created by grasses and seedheads set against a white, snow ‘canvas’. I appreciate that not everyone shares my enthusiasm – I have seen the raised eyebrows!! However, I am offering a selection below ranging from the simple ‘hieroglyph’ to more complex patterns.

One of the joys of winter scenery is that the snow provides a ‘canvas’ for the many patterns of grasses, twigs and seed heads etc that might otherwise go unseen or unnoticed. This clump of grass would be unlikely to attract attention without the presence of the snow but in its transformed setting it presents, for me, a pleasing sight. I have used a touch of watercolour filter in the editing, hence the inclusion of the word ‘painting in the title.

These three pictures are from a batten of about 1.5 m x 12.5 cm supporting a trellis bordering my front garden. Initially I was attracted by the natural pattern of the grain and the texture of the timber. But when the images are placed together there is another feature that figures prominently. Bogart’s famous line from Casablanca immediately sprang to mind, in the scene where he proposes a toast to Bergman, ‘Here’s looking at you, kid’.